Januzaj sends Van Gaal message with stunning Manchester United return

Adnan Januzaj made a stunning Manchester United comeback on Monday night in his first appearance for the club in five months.

The 20-year-old winger scored twice and supplied an assist by winning a penalty as United thrashed Southampton 4-0 in their Under-21s clash at Leigh Sports Village.

Striker Will Keane also netted a double for Warren Joyce’s team, which also included Sergio Romero and Paddy McNair.

But all eyes were on Januzaj as he made his first United appearance since the end of his disastrous loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.

The Belgian looked in fine fettle in his first match at any level in five weeks and played most of the game for the development team before being substituted in the closing minutes.

United manager Louis van Gaal revealed on Friday that Januzaj had been in consideration to play for the senior team at Liverpool on Sunday but was held back to play the Under-21s.

The Belgian has been building up his fitness in training since returning to Old Trafford 10 days ago following the abrupt cancellation of his season-long loan to Dortmund.

Januzaj, who is not match fit after last playing on 10 December, had a difficult time at Dortmund, where he made 12 appearances for the Bundesliga club, only three of which were starts. His six league outings were all as a substitute and he has not featured since a Europa League defeat by PAOK Salonika on 10 December.